Santorini Airport, known by its code JTR, is a small and busy airport on the east side of the island, just above the black sand beach at Kamari. Most visitors fly in here rather than arriving by ferry, and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach Fira from the terminal. What catches people out is everything that happens after landing: long taxi queues in summer, a bus that only goes to Fira, and a terminal that gets very crowded when several flights arrive at once. This guide covers everything you need to know about Santorini Airport, from the bus timetable and taxi fares to car hire, flights from the UK, arrivals, departures and how to get to Oia.
Santorini Airport at a glance
Santorini International Airport (JTR) is 5 km from Fira, and the cheapest way into town is the KTEL bus for 2.20 euros.
- Airport code: JTR (IATA) and LGSR (ICAO)
- Official name: Santorini (Thira) International Airport
- Location: east coast, just north of Kamari, about 10 to 15 minutes by road from Fira
- Bus to Fira: 2.20 euros, about 10 minutes, roughly every 30 to 60 minutes in season
- Taxi to Fira: about 25 to 35 euros, Oia about 35 to 45 euros
- Flights: all year from Athens, plus seasonal direct flights from 8 UK airports
Does Santorini Have an Airport?
Yes. Santorini has its own international airport, so there is no need to fly to Athens and take a ferry unless you want to. It is the busiest airport in the Cyclades and handled 2,877,122 passengers in 2024. Numbers fell by about 16 per cent in 2025 after the earthquake activity at the start of that year, but flights have continued as normal and the summer schedule is as full as ever.
The airport opened in 1972 and is shared with the Greek Air Force, which is why you may spot military aircraft parked at the far end of the apron. Since 11 April 2017 it has been run by Fraport Greece, which also runs 13 other regional airports in Greece. Fraport rebuilt and extended the terminal, and the work was finished in 2021. The single runway is 2,197 metres long, long enough for the Airbus and Boeing jets used on flights from the UK.
Santorini Airport Code and Name
The Santorini airport code is JTR, taken from Thira, the official Greek name of the island. You will see JTR on your boarding pass, booking confirmation and luggage tag. The four letter ICAO code, used by pilots and air traffic control, is LGSR. The airport appears under several names on booking sites, including Santorini International Airport, Santorini Thira National Airport and Thira Airport. They are all the same place, as there is only one airport on the island.
Where Is Santorini Airport?
The airport sits on flat land on the east coast, between the villages of Monolithos and Kamari, and about 5 km south east of Fira. Because Santorini is small, nowhere on the island is much more than 40 minutes away by road. The caldera villages on the west side are further than they look on a map, as the road climbs up and winds along the ridge. Here is roughly how long it takes by taxi or car in normal daytime traffic.
| From Santorini Airport to | Drive time | Typical taxi fare | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fira | 10 to 20 minutes | 25 to 35 euros | Direct, 2.20 euros |
| Kamari | 10 to 15 minutes | 15 to 25 euros | Change in Fira |
| Pyrgos | 15 to 20 minutes | 20 to 30 euros | Change in Fira |
| Firostefani and Imerovigli | 20 to 25 minutes | 25 to 35 euros | Change in Fira |
| Perissa and Perivolos | 25 to 30 minutes | 30 to 40 euros | Change in Fira |
| Akrotiri | 25 to 30 minutes | 30 to 40 euros | Change in Fira |
| Athinios port | 25 to 30 minutes | 25 to 35 euros | Change in Fira |
| Oia | 30 to 40 minutes | 35 to 45 euros | Change in Fira |
Taxi fares are typical daytime prices quoted by local operators for 2026. Expect around 20 per cent more between midnight and 05:00, and a small charge for each bag over 10 kg. Journey times can double in July and August, when the roads around Fira fill with buses, quad bikes and hire cars.
Santorini Airport to Fira, Oia and the Rest of the Island
There are 4 ways to get from Santorini Airport to your hotel: the public bus, a taxi, a pre booked transfer or a hire car. Which one makes sense depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have and what time you land.
KTEL bus
- Direct to Fira only
- About 10 minutes
- Cash on board
- Best for Fira and budget trips
Taxi
- Rank outside Arrivals
- Long queues in summer
- Agree the fare first
- Best outside peak hours
Pre booked transfer
- Driver waits in Arrivals
- No queue at the rank
- Tracks flight delays
- Best for Oia and late arrivals
Hire car
- Desks in Arrivals
- Book ahead in summer
- Parking is hard in Oia and Fira
- Best for exploring the island
Santorini Airport Bus to Fira
The public bus, run by KTEL Santorini, is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Fira. The stop is right outside the Arrivals exit, and the journey takes about 10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes in heavy summer traffic. The fare is 2.20 euros, paid in cash to the conductor on board, so keep some coins or small notes handy. Children under 7 travel free and there is a reduced fare for children aged 7 to 12. Big suitcases go in the hold under the bus.
The bus only runs between the airport and the main bus station in Fira. From Fira you can change onto buses to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri and the port. These are the departures on the official KTEL timetable last updated on 21 September 2026.
Santorini Airport to Fira
2.20 euros, about 10 minutes
Fira to Santorini Airport
2.20 euros, about 10 minutes
Timetables change during the year. These are the late September 2026 times. The service is busier in July and August and much thinner from November to March, when only a handful of buses run each day. There is no bus overnight, so if you land after 23:00 you will need a taxi or a pre booked transfer. See our full Santorini bus timetable for every route on the island.
Santorini Airport to Oia
There is no direct bus from Santorini Airport to Oia. You take the airport bus to Fira, walk across the bus station and catch the Oia bus, which takes about 25 minutes and costs another 2.20 euros. Allow at least an hour in total, and more in summer, when the Oia buses fill up quickly and you may have to wait for the next one. With luggage, that change in a crowded bus station in the heat is not much fun, which is why most people staying in Oia book a transfer or take a taxi. A taxi from the airport to Oia takes 30 to 40 minutes and usually costs 35 to 45 euros in the day.
One more thing to know about Oia: cars cannot reach most of the cave hotels on the caldera side. Your driver will drop you at the edge of the pedestrian lanes, and many hotels send a porter to meet you and carry your bags. Tell your hotel your arrival time in advance so someone is waiting.
Santorini Airport Taxi
The taxi rank is directly outside the Arrivals hall. The problem is not the price but the numbers: the whole island runs on roughly 35 to 40 licensed taxis, and when 3 or 4 flights land close together in summer, the queue can easily take 45 minutes or more. Outside July and August you will usually get a car within a few minutes.
Santorini taxis have meters, but for airport runs most drivers quote a fixed price. Agree the fare before you get in, and only use the official rank rather than drivers who approach you in the terminal. Card payment is not guaranteed, so have cash ready. Our Santorini taxi guide lists fares for other journeys and the numbers to call for a pick up.
Santorini Airport Transfers
A pre booked transfer is a private car or minibus that meets you in Arrivals with a name sign and takes you straight to your hotel for a price agreed in advance. It costs a little more than a taxi at the rank, but you skip the queue, the driver watches your flight and waits if you are delayed, and there are larger vehicles for families and groups. Many hotels on Santorini offer their own airport transfer, so ask yours first, as it is often the easiest option. A transfer is the one we would pick for Oia, Imerovigli or any arrival after dark.
Car Hire at Santorini Airport
Car hire desks for Avance, Avis and Budget, Hertz and Thrifty, Sixt and the local firm Suntime are in the Arrivals area, and many smaller Santorini companies will meet you at the terminal with your car. Book well ahead for July and August, when cars and especially automatics sell out. Having a car at the airport makes sense if you want to explore the beaches, wineries and villages away from the caldera. It makes much less sense if you are staying in Oia or Fira, where parking is limited and the lanes are pedestrian only.
UK visitors can drive in Greece on a UK photocard licence. There is limited free parking at the airport itself for drop offs and pick ups. For more on driving, quad bikes and scooters, see our guide to getting around Santorini.
Flights to Santorini Airport
Santorini has flights all year round from Athens, with Aegean Airlines, Sky Express and Ryanair all flying the route, which takes about 45 minutes. Aegean also flies from Thessaloniki. In summer the airport has direct flights to around 50 airports, most of them in Europe, including 8 in the UK. The direct flight from the UK takes about 4 hours.
| UK airport | Airlines flying direct to Santorini | Flight time |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | British Airways | About 4 hours |
| London Gatwick | easyJet | About 4 hours |
| London Stansted | Jet2, Ryanair | About 4 hours |
| Manchester | easyJet, Jet2, TUI | About 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Birmingham | Jet2 | About 4 hours |
| Bristol | easyJet | About 4 hours |
| Edinburgh | Jet2 | About 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Leeds Bradford | Jet2 (new for 2027) | About 4 hours 15 minutes |
All UK routes are seasonal and mostly run from spring to October, with the most flights in July and August. From November to March you will need to fly via Athens. Dublin also has direct flights with Aer Lingus and Ryanair. Airlines change their schedules every season, so always check the latest flights before you book. For ferries and other routes to the island, see our guide on how to get to Santorini.
Inside the Terminal
Santorini Airport has a single terminal, and although it was enlarged in 2021, it is still small for the number of people who pass through it in summer. It feels calm in May or October and very crowded on a Saturday in August. Here is what you will find inside.
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Airport lounge | There is no airport lounge at Santorini Airport, so lounge passes and airline status will not get you anywhere quiet |
| Food and drink | Cafés before and after security, including an outdoor café in the public area, plus snack and sandwich bars airside |
| Shops | A duty free shop and a few small stores for snacks, drinks and gifts |
| Money | ATMs and a currency exchange desk in the public area |
| Wifi | Free wifi throughout the terminal on the network called Fraport Free |
| Charging | Phone charging points in the waiting areas |
| Luggage storage | There is no left luggage service at the airport, so use a storage shop in Fira if you have time to fill |
| Water | Visitors report there are no water fountains, so buy a large bottle once you are through security |
| Seating | Limited, and often full on busy summer afternoons |
Santorini Airport Arrivals: What to Expect
In summer, flights from the UK often land within minutes of flights from Germany, Italy and the rest of Europe. This is what arriving at Santorini Airport usually looks like.
- Walking from the planeMost flights park on the apron, so you either walk to the terminal or take a short bus ride across the tarmac, straight into the heat.
- Passport controlFlights from the UK and other non Schengen countries go through passport checks. Queues can be long when several flights land together, so keep your passport in your hand.
- Baggage reclaimThe reclaim hall is small and busy. On peak summer days it can take a while for bags to appear, so be patient.
- Arrivals hallYou come out into a compact hall with the car hire desks, currency exchange and transfer drivers holding name signs.
- Outside the terminalThe bus stop and taxi rank are just outside the exit. If the taxi queue is long and you are heading to Fira, the bus is often quicker.
You can check live Santorini Airport arrivals and departures on the official airport website run by Fraport Greece, or through your airline’s app.
Santorini Airport Departures: How Early to Arrive
Check in and security queues at Santorini Airport can stretch out of the door in July and August, and staff numbers do not always keep up with the number of flights. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before an international flight in summer, and 90 minutes at other times of year if you have checked in online and only have hand luggage.
- Book your taxi or transfer to the airport the day before in summer, as the island’s taxis get very busy in the evenings.
- If you are taking the bus from Fira, catch one that leaves at least 2 and a half hours before your flight, in case the first one is full.
- Have your passport ready for exit checks on flights to the UK.
- Buy water and a snack once you are through security, as seats and supplies in the departure area run low on busy days.
Getting Between Santorini Airport and Athinios Port
If you are flying in and catching a ferry to another island the same day, or the other way round, you will need to get between the airport and Athinios, the main ferry port on the south west coast. There is no direct bus. You take the airport bus to Fira and then the port bus, which costs 2.70 euros and is timed to meet the main ferries. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes by taxi, usually 25 to 35 euros. The road down to the port is a steep series of hairpin bends, and it jams badly when a big ferry is due, so leave at least 2 hours between landing and a ferry departure. Our Cyclades ferry guides cover the routes from Santorini to the other islands.
Nearest Airport to Santorini
The nearest airport to Santorini is the island’s own airport, JTR. If flights are full or too expensive, these are the main alternatives.
| Alternative airport | How to reach Santorini | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Athens (ATH) | Fly to Santorini in about 45 minutes, or take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina | Winter trips and the widest choice of flights from the UK |
| Heraklion, Crete (HER) | High speed ferry to Santorini in summer, about 2 hours | Combining Santorini with a holiday on Crete |
| Mykonos (JMK) | Direct ferry to Santorini in summer | Island hopping trips that start or end on Mykonos |
See our route guides for the ferry from Athens to Santorini and from Crete to Santorini.
Final Thoughts
Santorini Airport is easy to use once you know its quirks. If you are staying in Fira and travelling light, the 2.20 euro bus is quick and simple. If you are heading to Oia, Imerovigli or the south coast, arrive late at night or land in the middle of an August afternoon, a pre booked transfer will save you a long wait at the taxi rank. Give yourself plenty of time for departures in summer, carry some cash, and remember there is nowhere comfortable to wait once you are through security. Before you travel, have a look at our Santorini weather guide so you know what to pack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santorini Airport
Does Santorini have an airport?
Yes. Santorini has its own international airport, Santorini (Thira) International Airport, on the east coast of the island just north of Kamari. It is the busiest airport in the Cyclades and handled 2,877,122 passengers in 2024, with flights all year from Athens and seasonal direct flights from the UK and the rest of Europe.
What is the airport code for Santorini?
The IATA code for Santorini Airport is JTR, taken from Thira, the official Greek name of the island. This is the code you will see on your boarding pass and luggage tag. The ICAO code used by pilots and air traffic control is LGSR.
How far is Santorini Airport from Fira and Oia?
Santorini Airport is about 5 km from Fira, which takes 10 to 15 minutes by road, or up to 20 minutes in summer traffic. Oia is about 17 km away and takes 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or car.
How do I get from Santorini Airport to Fira?
The cheapest way is the KTEL public bus, which stops right outside Arrivals, takes about 10 minutes and costs 2.20 euros, paid in cash on board. A taxi to Fira usually costs 25 to 35 euros in the day, and a pre booked transfer costs a fixed price agreed in advance.
Is there a bus from Santorini Airport to Oia?
There is no direct bus. Take the airport bus to Fira for 2.20 euros, then change at the main bus station onto the Oia bus for another 2.20 euros. Allow at least an hour in total. With luggage, a taxi at around 35 to 45 euros or a pre booked transfer is much easier.
How much is a taxi from Santorini Airport?
Typical daytime fares in 2026 are 25 to 35 euros to Fira, Firostefani or Imerovigli, 15 to 25 euros to Kamari, 30 to 40 euros to Perissa or Akrotiri, and 35 to 45 euros to Oia. Expect about 20 per cent more between midnight and 05:00. Agree the fare before you get in, as queues at the rank can reach 45 minutes in July and August.
What time does the last bus leave Santorini Airport?
On the KTEL timetable last updated on 21 September 2026, the last bus from Santorini Airport to Fira leaves at 23:00 and the first at 07:00. Times change during the year, with more buses in July and August and far fewer from November to March. There is no overnight bus.
Can I hire a car at Santorini Airport?
Yes. Avance, Avis and Budget, Hertz and Thrifty, Sixt and the local firm Suntime have desks in the Arrivals area, and many smaller local companies deliver cars to the terminal. Book well ahead for July and August. UK visitors can drive in Greece on a UK photocard licence.
Is there a lounge at Santorini Airport?
No. Santorini Airport does not have an airport lounge. There are cafés before and after security, a duty free shop, ATMs, currency exchange and free wifi, but seating is limited and there is no left luggage service.
How early should I arrive at Santorini Airport?
Arrive at least 2 hours before an international flight in July and August, when check in and security queues can stretch outside the terminal. At other times of year, 90 minutes is usually enough if you have checked in online and only have hand luggage.
Which UK airports fly direct to Santorini?
In the summer season there are direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways, London Gatwick with easyJet, London Stansted with Jet2 and Ryanair, Manchester with easyJet, Jet2 and TUI, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Leeds Bradford with Jet2, and Bristol with easyJet. The flight takes about 4 hours. From November to March you need to fly via Athens.
Is Santorini Airport open all year?
Yes. Flights from Athens with Aegean Airlines, Sky Express and Ryanair run all year, although there are fewer in winter. Direct flights from the UK and most of Europe are seasonal and mainly run from spring to October.
What is the nearest airport to Santorini?
The nearest airport is the island’s own airport, JTR. The main alternatives are Athens, with a 45 minute flight or a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, and Heraklion on Crete, with a high speed ferry of about 2 hours in summer.
How do I get from Santorini Airport to the ferry port?
There is no direct bus to Athinios port. Take the airport bus to Fira and then the port bus for 2.70 euros, which is timed to meet the main ferries, or take a taxi for about 25 to 35 euros, which takes 25 to 30 minutes. Leave at least 2 hours between landing and your ferry, as the road down to the port jams when big ferries are due.
